Washing machine with improved drive structure for rotatable tub and agitator
US5778703A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2105/48
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A washing machine includes a hollow tub shaft mounted on a first stationary portion of the machine for rotation, a rotatable tub rotatably mounted on an upper end of the tub shaft, an agitator shaft concentrically inserted in the tub shaft for rotation, an agitator mounted on the upper end of the agitator shaft, a stator fixed to a second stationary portion of the machine to be concentric with the agitator shaft to constitute an electric motor together with the stator, and a clutch including a holder mounted on the tub shaft for rotation with the tub shaft. The clutch further includes a first engagement portion formed in a third stationary portion of the machine, a second engagement portion formed in the rotor, a lever mounted on the holder to be selectively engaged with one of the first and second engagement portions, the lever operatively coupling the rotor to the agitator shaft when engaged with the first engagement portion, the lever operatively coupling the rotor to both of the agitator and tub shafts when engaged with the second engagement portion, and toggle type springs holding the lever in engagement with the first and second engagement portions respectively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.